Bartender Questions: Drinking Like a Jazz Guitarist

The best bars are _____ bars? Open. We are very much open about what we're doing, and recently we decided to include all of the cocktail recipes we rotate. Part of what I mean about being open is the willingness to share techniques and recipes.

Is that why people go to your bar? Yes. Making approachable drinks that are balanced and celebrating openness is something that's been instilled in our House.

What's a cocktail everyone should know how to make? An Americano. It's Campari, vermouth, soda and a little bit of orange in it. I'd recommend it this time of year.

What's your favorite fictional bar and why? It's in my head, and I'm sure something like it existed. There was a certain culture in 1930s Paris where there was this swing culture around characters like the jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt. I want to know where they drank and played pool and poker after they were done performing. Wherever that bar is.

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What's the best drink you've ever had? I still remember the first time I had a well-made Sazerac. I remember going, "Damn, that's a really good drink."

What do you wish people didn't order? The same one they've had three times.

What do you keep behind the bar at all times? A recipe book and a smile. We're not doing heart surgery, so you need to have a certain amount of joy.

What's the most ridiculous thing you've seen a customer do? One of our regulars challenged another guy to a light saber duel.

Hangover cure? Coffee, water, and if you have time, a nap.

What is a bartender's most indispensable tool? Confidence. The deeper you get into something, you realize there's more to know.